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There seems to be a lot of confusion going on about the differences between Witchcraft and Wicca.......and with good reason. Some "Wiccans" call themselves "Witches", while most "Witches" will not call themselves "Wiccans". To further confuse, there are some wiccans that do not want to be associated in any way with witchcraft, Witches that think Wiccan is a farce, and all the while, most people don't have a clue that Witchcraft and Wicca are different! So, in setting things straight a bit, lets look at some of the differences........

Ancient, since the beginning of mankind but most practiced today have European roots. May have family traditional paths.

Created about 50 years ago with the writings and teachings of Gerald Gardner in the 1930s by incorporating Witchcraft with many types of Ceremonial Magick

Non-religious oriented

First & foremost, a religion

Does not worship an entity as superior, though they recognize the existence of other entities. Believe in the equality of all beings in the Universe, seeing them as different, separate, but never superior or inferior. Calls the Goddess and the God as representatives of the creative force of the Universe, but will usually call on other spirits as well, each being seen as a separate and equal entity.

Worships many different Gods and Goddesses and usually picks one or two "Pantheons" that they work with, though free to call on all Deities. Calls on Gods & Goddesses as superior beings

All space is sacred and all life is ceremony. When ritual or magick is performed, the Traditional Witch is likely to do it when the time "feels" right using what is on hand at the moment. May cast a circle, but usually doesn't.

Sacred circle is "central" to practice. Generally creates sacred space for their rituals/spells by casting a circle. Relies on correspondences and "proper" timing to do magickal work.

Most often practiced as a solitaire

Although is and can be practiced as a solitaire, there is a "degree system" and many join or form covens.

May be practiced as Black, Gray, or White. There is no morality rules/test, only personal responsibility and honor.

Follows a "Three Fold (or 9 Fold) Rule" of "It Harm None" or "What goes around, comes around" thought.

Uses what nature provides. May use hand made Wands.

Heavy use of "magickal tools": Athame, Wands, Chalice, Robes, Bell,

Magick is central to Traditional Witchcraft.

Many Wiccans do not practice magickal arts